How many bones are in the face?

• A. 12
• B. 14
• C. 16
• D. 18

Answer: (B)

The face is formed by 14 bones that make up the facial skeleton, separate from the cranial bones that protect the brain. These 14 include two maxillae, two zygomatics, two nasal bones, two lacrimal bones, two inferior nasal conchae, two palatine bones, plus one vomer and one mandible. Adding them gives 2+2+2+2+2+2+1+1 = 14. The mandible is counted because it forms the lower jaw of the face, and the vomer helps form the nasal septum. This is the standard count you’ll use in anatomy and barber exam prep, and it avoids confusing facial bones with cranial bones.